Emily Brascoupé-Hoefler, a mixed media and mural artist from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, joins host Monique Manatch to discuss her journey, family collaborations, and the importance of Algonquin art in contemporary spaces. From murals at the Bytown Museum to her permanent installation at the National Arts Centre, Emily shares how tradition, land, and technology shape her work and the collective she formed with her sisters.

In this episode of InDigital Insights, host Monique Manatch sits down with Skawennati, a Mohawk multimedia artist whose work envisions Indigenous peoples in the future through machinima, digital fashion, and storytelling. They discuss her acclaimed exhibition Welcome to the Dreamhouse at the National Gallery of Canada, her reimagining of Haudenosaunee creation stories like She Falls for Ages and Greetings from Skyworld, the superhero transformation of the Three Sisters, and her ongoing exploration of Indigenous futurisms in both virtual and physical spaces.

Jessica Brown, founder of Ujarak Media, shares her inspiring path from Happy Valley-Goose Bay to directing award-winning documentary series for Bell TV1. As a single mother and Inuit filmmaker, she uplifts Indigenous voices through powerful storytelling, remote productions in the Torngat Mountains, and hands-on mentorship of youth in communities like Nain. Her work blends cultural authenticity, community engagement, and cinematic vision—paving the way for the next generation of storytellers.

Kaija Heitland, a Red River Métis artist and entrepreneur from Vancouver Island, shares her journey from tattooing to founding Indigenous Nouveau, a business focused on accessible Indigenous art, ribbon skirts, fabric design, and community empowerment. She discusses Indigenous identity, entrepreneurship, data sovereignty, and ethical digital practices in Indigenous design.

This episode highlights the vibrant creativity and language revitalization work at Kji-Wikuom Studios in Eskasoni. Host Monique Manatch speaks with Jaiden Johnson, Tristan Johnson, and Isaac Jeddore-Gould about how their passion for media and storytelling led them to careers in digital filmmaking, game development, and cultural preservation. They discuss their involvement in producing Mi’kmaq-language content, documenting elders’ stories, streaming community events, and promoting their first full-language video game Kun’tewiktuk: A Mi’kmaw Adventure globally.

Simon Brascoupé, Algonquin artist and educator, discusses the deep cultural roots of Indigenous art, its community-centered and land-based nature, and the importance of birch bark biting, duality, and storytelling in Anishinaabe traditions. He shares personal reflections, family collaborations, and the evolution of traditional practices through digital techniques.

Melanie Sampson, an Indigenous artist and former radio host, shares her creative journey from Labrador to Nova Scotia. From geology to radio to launching a card and digital art business, she discusses turning a lifelong hobby into a sustainable career. Melanie reflects on Indigenous connection, artistic expression, and the power of community-driven creativity.

Suzanne Brant, a Haudenosaunee visual artist and president of FNTI, shares how art, culture, and creation teachings are inseparable in her life and work. From interpreting sky world teachings through beadwork-inspired dot paintings to reflecting on cradleboards, wampum, and ancestral knowledge, Suzanne emphasizes the importance of visual storytelling and intergenerational healing through Indigenous education and artistic practice.

Gloria Jane Bell shares her research into the Vatican's hidden collection of Indigenous art and belongings. From sacred wampum belts to Sundance masks taken during the Potlatch Ban, she highlights issues of colonial theft, misrepresentation, and the need for Indigenous-led restitution efforts.

In this episode, host Monique Manatch speaks with Maritza Louis, a seasoned Indigenous character modeler currently working at Walt Disney Animation Studios. Maritza shares her 20+ year journey through animation, visual effects, and game development, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous representation, STEAM education, and cultural protocol in tech and media spaces. From growing up in the Okanagan to becoming a mentor and advocate for BIPOC artists, Maritza discusses the realities of breaking into animation, overcoming intergenerational trauma, and the power of community-centered storytelling.